Provigil & Weight Loss
With so many weight-loss drugs on the market, how do you choose? Some drugs work for some people, while others have no effect. While prescription only, Provigil is one alternative. Some patients have reported losing weight while on Provigil, although solid research is scarce regarding the drug and its effects on obesity.
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Background
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Provigil is the first of its kind in a new class of drugs that helps keep you awake. It is often used to treat narcolepsy and excessive sleepiness. The active ingredient is modafinil. It helps to enhance concentration and memory and is a mood enhancer. It has gained some popularity as a weight loss drug. It is not available over-the-counter, so you will need a prescription.
How It Works
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According to www.provigilweb.org, research, including at Duke and Stanford, indicates that Provigil works in the brain's dopamine system. It increases alertness for those who are consistently sleepy and is most effective two hours after it is ingested. Side effects can range from a severe allergic reaction to dry mouth, runny nose, sore throat, insomnia, numbness and tingling. As far as weight loss, there has been little research regarding Provigil. According to Provigilweb.org, several studies have shown that Provigil does produce clear reductions in food intake. And because Provigil does not act in the same way amphetamines do, you can decrease your appetite without increasing your heart rate.
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Who Should Take Provigil
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Provigil is FDA approved for those older than 16. It is primarily used to treat sleep disorders, but some doctors are using the medication for weight loss and other issues such as depression, memory decline, fatigue, jet lag and attention deficit disorder (ADD). As of September 2009, the FDA has not approved this medication as a treatment for obesity. Consult your doctor on whether Provigil would be appropriate to use for you, as this would be considered off-label use.
Cost
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If you plan to take Provigil to lose weight, it may cost you around $250 to $350 for a month's supply. Insurance companies cover some of the cost, but only for approved uses. So since using Provigil for weight loss is an off-label use, it is likely more insurance companies will not help with the costs.
Warning
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Do not use Provigil to stay awake for long periods of time. Lack of sleep can result in cardiovascular and neurological problems, as well as high blood pressure, heart rate and insulin levels. It should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. Consult your doctor before using Provigil if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, are taking other prescription drugs or herbal supplements, or have liver and kidney problems. Provigil may also affect birth control pills, so you may need to use a non-hormonal method of birth control when you are taking Provigil. It can also be habit forming.
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